Hellp Syndrome

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

HELLP ( H emolysis, E levated L iver enzymes, L ow P latelet count) syndrome is a life-threatening complication of pregnancy. HELLP syndrome may develop any time between week 20 of your pregnancy and a few days after you give birth. HELLP syndrome may happen with or without preeclampsia. You may not have any symptoms. The cause is not known.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

Medicine may be given to lower your blood pressure.

Take your medicine as directed. Contact your obstetrician or primary healthcare provider (PHP) if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Follow up with your obstetrician as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Monitor your blood pressure as directed by your obstetrician or PHP:

Keep a record of your blood pressure readings. Bring the record to your visits.

Contact your obstetrician or PHP if:

Your blood pressure is higher than you were told it should be.

You have a headache that does not go away when you take medicine.

You have blood in your urine.

You are urinating less than usual, or not at all.

When you or someone close to you should seek immediate care or call 911:

You suddenly have trouble breathing.

The pain on the right side of your upper abdomen gets worse, or spreads to your back.

You feel weak, dizzy, faint, or sweaty, or you are pale.

Your heart is beating faster than usual, or you are breathing faster than usual.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.